Gigi, a 35-year-old native of Seoul, enrolled at Suwon University to study apparel and textiles but left after the first year to become a fitness instructor and then a tattooist. With only three years of professional tattooing experience and a strong desire to learn, she has received plenty of advice from skilled Korean tattooers. Her work consistently involves line drawings, which artists Mo Ganji and Pauline influence, but she is evolving her expression and vision in each. She states, “Personally, I enjoy nature and animals!” about the prevalence of naturalistic themes in her work. Simply gazing at flora or animals may induce happiness and smiles. Her requests come not just from Korea, but also from countries such as England and France.

Above: Gigi’s line style depicts a man holding a pipe.

Minimalist flower with subtly placed color.

How did you learn to tattoo?

I learned tattooing for the first time at an academy in South Korea. After finishing the tattoo course, I still needed to learn a lot of things. Then, I had a chance to learn from my favorite artists (Pauline, EQ, Song.e), and I retook the course from them. It was a meaningful time for me because I gained much knowledge, not just regarding tattooing techniques but also regarding work preparation, working, and observing their seriousness regarding tattoos.

A stylised adaptation of Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus.”

Are you familiar with Mo Ganji’s single-line tattoos?

Of course! I like his work. He creates various subjects in his style. He is one of my favorite artists.

A scene from the 1994 cult film “Leon: The Professional” starring Jean Reno and Natalie Portman.

Did his work inspire your tattoo style?

When I first started learning about tattoos, I saw Ganji’s works. I was impressed by the way he does line drawing. And I’m trying to draw an impressive design that looks as simple as that but has a very natural flow and shows the subject’s characteristics well.

Gigi’s flower power is in blue this time.

I can see some of tattooer Pauline in your style. Tell me a bit about working with him.

I love Pauline’s work. I liked his beautiful lines where the strong and weak exist, and I was especially attracted to his white-ink tattoos. I retook the course with him to do a good line tattoo like him. I learned so much from him, and not only his skills but also his serious attitude toward tattoos helped me a lot.

A homage to Ringo, a Spaniel.

Are you going to maintain in line art or explore other art styles?

I will do the line tattoo but change it to a larger size with more colors.

Lady with flowers in the recurrent line drawing style.

Where in the world would you love to tattoo?

I want to go to Mexico City, Mexico. On my Instagram’s insights, people in Mexico have the highest follow-up rate. So I want to go there.

Clients will always be interested in pet portraits.

What are your hobbies?

I like to do yoga. At first, I started it for the physical part because I worked a lot, but as I did it, it helped me mentally, so it fits me well.

A simplified rendition of the Disney character Snow White.

Is there anything else you do to help your body and mind?

If I work the next morning, I rest earlier the day before. Mind control [balance] is essential because [my job] involves many people. Yoga helps a lot in that area.

Korean tattooer Gigi in her element.

Five fun things about you that people are unaware of.

1. I taught Pilates before tattooing.
2. I’m Korean, but I can’t eat spicy food well.
3. I lasered my first tattoo because I wanted to be a flight attendant.
4. I have a mole on my nose. Sometimes, artists I meet tell me I have ink on my nose, but it is the mole.
5. I got a driver’s license 15 years ago, but I’ve never driven since I got it.

Photos © Gigi